Dorsey said social is just one aspect of Twitter, helping friends stay in touch with friends. But Twitter is also a way to keep tabs on the world and get completely real-time updates on any number of topics.

He thinks of it "as an information utility and a communications network." Consider that a user doesn't have to tweet to reap the benefits of Twitter -- he can just follow people relevant to his interests and stay up to date on what matters to him.

While the social element is there, it's in the backseat of Dorsey's mind.